The Kurt Angle Show - Kurt Steps in to Win the World Title [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Today Kurt the focus is all on you - when you were called upon to save SmackDown after an injury - just like when you saved the USA and won that Olympic Gold Medal!

The story begins early in 2006. You’re in a program with Shawn Michaels and what seems like you’re building to WrestleMania - but you’re also working a lot with John Cena. Was there ever any talk of moving you from Raw to SmackDown when the year turned?

Do you know what your original plan for Mania was if you weren’t moved to SmackDown?

The first Raw in 2006 you would defeat John Cena in a first blood non-title match following a chair shot to the head. You’re being built up as one of the competitors in the upcoming Elimination Chamber match - and getting a win over John Cena makes it feel like you’re one of the front runners to maybe knock Cena off. Do you know if that was ever in consideration?

Shawn Daivari is working with you as a pseudo manager or heater. What did you think of Shawn?

Did you like working him?

What did you think of the pairing of the two of you together?

Do you think they had to put him with you to make sure you were getting a heel reaction - considering how big a star you were?

The same night as New Year’s Revolution - SmackDown is running a house show where Batista is taking on Mark Henry. Batista tears his triceps - and with him as the World Heavyweight Champion - there’s a big issue now…when do you hear about this - while the pay-per-view is going on?

At New Year’s Revolution in the 6 man elimination chamber match with John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Carlito, Chris Masters - you’re the first one eliminated! Was that because of Batista’s injury? Was that a last minute call?

Do you know what the original plan was if there was one?

When were you told that you were going to SmackDown?

The next night on Raw from Hershey - you would team up with Shawn to take on Carlito & Chris Masters. How different is it being on the same side as Shawn compared to being across the ring from him?

You did everything you could to keep Shawn in the ring by not tagging in until Michaels had enough and threw you into the ring - hit you with sweet chin music - and you get put into the Master Lock.

Kurt - before we go any further - we don’t talk a lot about Carlito or Chris Masters.

First off do you have any good stories of them on the road?

Were you surprised Masters wasn’t given a main event run considering his body and size?

Both seemed to have peaked in the mid-card - why do you think that was?

You would eventually pass out in Masters Master Lock and the ref would ring the bell even though you didn’t tap. Any memories of this match?

The next night you are on your way to SmackDown in Philadelphia - are you told you’re going there to become champion - or are you told you’re just getting moved to SmackDown?

Is this something you’re happy about? Excited about?

Was the pay going to be different moving from Raw to SmackDown?

Were you paid more to be Champion?

Did they compensate you for anything that had changed from the plan?

That night on SmackDown Batista came out and said he needs surgery and has to vacate the World Title - but whoever wins it in his absence is only champion because he was injured. Was that something you would’ve looked forward to - working with Batista on top?

It’s not really explained why you were able to move from Raw to SmackDown - did you think that needed an explanation?

How hard is it to put together a battle royal?

Do you think you got any heat for coming right over to take the championship - instead of guys currently on the brand?

Fire up your Peacock as we’re going to watch the battle royal! Season 8 - episode 2!

Fast forward to 1 hour, 9 minutes and 33 seconds and we’ll count it down - 3-2-1!

How much does this change mess up your set plans - with traveling and life?

You get a big reaction when you come out - obviously as a surprise - but Philadelphia is a town that’s really always loved you. How good has the City of Brotherly Love been to you?

As the battle royal begins let’s talk about some of the people in the ring and give us your thoughts and memories of them…

You right away eliminate JBL in 9 seconds - what are your favorite JBL stories?

Then you eliminate Vito who’s main claim to fame was dressing as a woman during this time - any memories of Vito?

Road Warrior Animal - WWE Hall of Famer who sadly is no longer with us - any good Animal stories?

Simon Dean - former ECW wrestler Super Nova - who recently retired I saw. Any memories of him?

Nunzio - also known as Little Guido of ECW fame - who you worked with a couple times when you were on ECW - was also known as a shooter. Any chance you & Nunzio ever went to the mat with each other?

You eliminate Orlando Jordan - who was a major part of JBL’s cabinet at the time. Did you think he could’ve been more at any point?

You also eliminate William Regal - who recently returned to the WWE from AEW - any good Regal ribs or stories you can share?

More people to tick off - let me know if you have any good stories with them - Super Crazy, Paul Burchill or Paul London?

Bobby Lashley is a major part of SmackDown at this point but still very early on in his career. To see where he’s at now - did you think he would be able to be the top guy?

At some point Mark Henry throws you through the ropes - not over - and press slammed you through the announce table to take you out for a few minutes. Isn’t this a babyface spot?

Did you need this spot? Were you banged up?

Lashley eventually gets thrown out by Mark Henry and then Matt Hardy makes an elimination of Sylvan. Matt Hardy - are you surprised you never got the chance to work a big program with him?

Eventually Rey throws out MNM each until he realizes he’s face to face with Mark.

From the Torch

The crowd roared in anticipation of the match–up. Rey used his speed to try to eliminate Henry, but he couldn’t find a way to get him over the top. Henry eventually eliminated Rey and thought he won the title. However, Angle popped up and re–entered the ring. Angle tried several head scissors maneuvers near the ropes to eliminate Henry. However, he couldn’t get him off his feet. Eventually, Angle grappled Henry near the ropes and flipped him over the top. One of Angle’s feet hit the floor before Henry’s, but all of Henry’s body crashed to the ground before Angle’s second foot hit. Tazz and Cole made a point of telling viewers that both feet must hit the floor to be eliminated. Angle accepted the World Heavyweight Title then celebrated as the fans roared in recognition of a historic title change. Well–booked match that focused on Henry’s

strengths and built up Rey for the future. (**1/2)

Did you think this was executed well and were you happy with it when it was all over?

Did you think you would be working Rey at this point at Mania, maybe Randy Orton - or was all of that up in the air at this point?

Were you happy to be moved to SmackDown when this night is over?

Where does this title win rank with your other title wins?